NOVEMBER 2019
739
HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
How Nike Got It Wrong by Dr. John Ellis, Ed.D.
It makes one wonder just what the heck they were thinking. We’re still scratching our heads over that one, considering how Kaepernick’s interpretation of history is illogically flawed.
Nike was set to release a special patriotic sneaker this past 4th of July featuring what's historically referred to as "the Betsy Ross flag" (named after the seamstress credited by many as having sewn it)…
Reprinted with Permission - Tom Stiglich Media News Group/Creators Syndicate
…the same flag that was adopted by an Act of Congress on June 14, 1777…
However, when former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick called the design offensive (because it featured a flag from an era when slavery was still prevalent in the United States), Nike shelved its planned release in response.
“Resolved. That the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes, red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Nike’s Air Max 1 USA Sneakers
This official “star spangled banner” came to represent our fight for freedom from Great Britain a full six years before the end of the Revolutionary War… six long years during which our patriots fought and died under the stars and stripes.
But why would a major international company like Nike react so radically to criticism from a guy who, as the face of t h e c o m p a n y ’s “ J u s t D o I t ” 3 0 t h anniversary ad campaign, is most noted for disrespecting his country’s flag by kneeling on the sidelines during the national anthem?*
After all, the Betsy Ross design was the first official representation for what would become a fledgling new nation. As such, it’s patriotic tenor and what it stands for in American history simply cannot be denied. The implication was clear when the Continental Congress adopted it. This is who we are. This is what will represent us. This is what we will fight and die for in our quest for “liberty and justice for all.” Sure, those words were somewhat of a misnomer… for the “all”, in reality, did not apply to blacks. Yet, over 9,000 dedicated black troops fought with valor from the very beginning of the conflict in places like Lexington, Bunker Hill and Fort Ticonderoga. And while we can’t erase the ignominy of slavery during Cont’d. on Page 6
5 Editor: John Ellis, Ed.D. - Photographer: Lupita Azzolina - Proofreader: Cristy Perez (760) 534-0124 - americanlegion739@gmail.com Legion Post: 44-200 Sun Gold St., Indio, CA 92201 - (760) 347-4710
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HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
Hello Comrades... Thanks to all of you for your service to our country this Veterans Day. I’d also like to thank our members who donate their time and money to make our Post one of the best. It is through your contributions that we’re able to help so many veterans and their families each year, along with the community. Please take a moment out of your morning on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11th at 11:00 AM to join us for a one hour program of pageantry and music at the Coachella Valley Cemetery to pay your respects to those who served their country, yourself included. There will be a potluck at the Post afterwards. Monday Night football with burgers and hotdogs are in full swing, so bring a friend and enjoy the evening with fellow members. Can’t make it? Point them in the right direction! Also… don't forget Taco Thursdays… which our Auxiliary hosts the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of each month with the VFW taking over on the other weeks. Thanks once again to the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley for hosting their annual Thanksgiving lunch for veterans at 12 noon Wednesday, November 27th. See page 7 for details. We’ll be hosting the District meeting here at the Post on Sunday morning, November 17th at 10 with breakfast served from 8 to 10. Please attend in support of the meeting being held here if you can. And… if you’re able to come early, it’d be great having your help in setting up tables and chairs. We have considerable opportunity for growth as a Post with two new rule changes now in effect from National. There are no longer any date exclusions for Legion membership. Any veteran who served from December 7, 1941 onward with an honorable discharge can now join. Likewise, the Legion Auxiliary is now open to the spouses of female veterans and service members! So… extend an invitation to those you may know to become part of our Legion family. All the best for a safe and joy filled Thanksgiving! Steve Waggoner, Commander (760) 969-0035 . E-mail: drhook@dc.rr.com
NOVEMBER 2019
Hello Legion & Auxiliary Members… We had a good turn out for the rummage sale. A special thank you to Martha Castro for volunteering to help sell nachos and to Maria Elena Lagpacan and Jean Martinez for helping sell them. Taco Thursday sales are phenomenal. Thanks to all the great Auxiliary members who help to make it possible from 5 to 7 PM on the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of each month and to all of you who come out to enjoy them. The tacos themselves are just $3 each but we’ve now added a dinner plate with 2 tacos, rice and beans for just $8 as well as a children’s size plate for $4. When you see a blue piggy bank on a table, feel free to put your loose change in which will go to help veterans at the Loma Linda VA. We’ll also be purchasing socks for the Commander’s donation box. Be on the lookout, too, for our Poppy Soldiers. They’ll be on display at the Post for you to take home for a small donation. All the funds go to ALA HQ to support veterans programs. There’s no better way to bond with your gal pals than dressing up and sipping tea! Join us at 2:00 PM Saturday, November 16th for an afternoon full of sweet desserts, delicate finger foods and an endless supply of your favorite tea and wine. Bring a family member or friend. It’s just $15 per person. The very next morning, Sunday the 17th, the Post will be hosting the District 21 meeting beginning at 10:00. We’ll be offering an American breakfast for just $10 beginning at 8:00 which includes coffee, juice & water and complimentary cookies & granola bars. Volunteers are needed. Please contact me if you can help. We welcome new members….. Rebecca Bover, Margie Terrazas, Peggy Lee and Janice Bowman! We’re glad you’re aboard! For God & Country this Veterans Day & Thanksgiving… Naomi Alvarado (760) 972-8575 . E-mail: alvarados09@yahoo.com
HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
NOVEMBER 2019
PHOTOS NEEDED!
For Gallery of Heroes
https://ihsclassof1969reunion.com VETERANS EASY ACCESS PROGRAM …ro be incorporated in the 2020 Expo Slideshow Presentation of our men and women in uniform past and present. Please submit photo(s) with name of military member in uniform, branch of service, time or years served, any notable info you’d like to share, optional current photo to place side-byside and your contact info to: Deanna Young . (760) 832-2883 okmrsyoung@gmail.com Submission deadline: Fri., Feb. 14th, 2020
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HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
NOVEMBER 2019
Oops! Carol Gunnerson (above) was mistakenly identified in last months edition as Mary Sakemi in this pic of the newsletter crew. Sorry about that. - The Editor ly Th e Go ns alv es fa mi to ss turned out in ma d support their son an d ste ho brother D.J. who at er a spaghetti fundrais gle the Post for his Ea a ild Scout project to bu ck ba horseshoe pit in the !) yard… (now installed t an st (b ac k ro w) As si d an ie Cubmaster Donn to Parker, (foreground l J. D. r) Asher, Carson, b cu Sarie and aspiring scout Alden
Auxiliary President Naomi Alvarado is all smiles with Your Pie manager Carlos Zazueca during the successful Oct. 15th fundraiser at the popular north Indio fast casual pizza eatery
Dan Prentice, on behalf of Bill Hun tington VFW Post 3699, presented Com mander Ste ve Wa ggo ner don atio ns tota ling $1,910 at last month’s meeting
Leave it to the Army to come thro ugh when the call went out for volunteers to help with the trimming and clean up of the Veterans Memorial at the Coachella Valley Cemetery… (l to r) Tony Delgad o, Juan T. Martinez, Carmel Romero, Tommy Madrid , Victor Delgado & Tim Azzolina
ht, ir Mark Barfknec Fundraising Cha n ria sto Hi Waggoner and Commander Steve a int Qu La the Post at the John Ellis represented th, 17 t. nel discussion Oc Museum veterans pa a Historical Society hosted by the La Quint
HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
NOVEMBER 2019
…continued from Page 1 this period, we also can’t point fingers in a blanket condemnation of the incremental growth of our country.
If we allow the Betsy Ross flag to be deemed a “racist symbol”, what’s next… decrying the one dollar bill because it shows George Washington, the “father of our country” on it … Washington … an undeniable slave owner himself?
Jose Gonzales, Service Officer (760) 347-4710 americanlegion739@gmail.com 2020 PAY INCREASE
The Betsy Ross flag was prominently on display as a patriotic backdrop for the inauguration of America’s first black president, Barack Obama
collective history and it can’t be undone, even if revisionists twist it to fit their own personal perception. Instead, they would do well to embrace it… and learn from it.
The Betsy Ross flag has been viewed throughout history in a patriotic light as evidenced by the Spirit of 76 - an oil on canvass by Archibald Willard (1876)
The Revolutionary War was never about debating the merits of the right or wrong of slavery or even in defense of slave owners - many who served in the Continental Congress. (That would come later with the onset of the Civil War.) It was, instead, about breaking the oppressive shackle of Great Britain whose taxation without representation brought about the Declaration of Independence.
Yes! There was slavery in the United States while we fought for our freedom and it continued for years thereafter as we matured as an independent nation. That doesn’t make it right. But… it’s a part of our
As this Veterans Day approaches, therefore… don’t kowtow to the misinformed few. Instead, as a member of the American Legion family, stand up and feel liberated to raise the Betsy Ross flag. Fly it high! Fly it proudly! Because the reality is… it represents the patriotic foundation upon which this great country of ours is built. And nothing… not Kaepernick and not even Nike can change that.
________________ * Footnote: San Francisco 49er’s quarterback Colin Kaepernick created a major controversy when he chose to remain seated during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner on August 26th, 2016 (and kneel subsequently thereafter) as a personal protest of what he perceives to be the oppression of black people in this country and police brutality against them.
If you’re not yet aware of it… military retirees, including those who receive disability or other VA benefits, as well as social security recipients, will be receiving a 1.6% increase in their monthly checks beginning in 2020. Basically, this means that for every $1,000 in government benefits you receive monthly, you’ll be getting around an additional $16.
IT AIN'T ROCKET SCIENCE! Now that many of you are going to be getting a modest income bump the first of the year… you’ll no longer have an excuse not to help your Post with at least a $20 monthly donation. And we make it easy! Just fill out a form at the Legion or get one from me and we’ll autodeduct it each month from your bank account. The benefit? We’ll cover your annual dues each year! It ain’t rocket science! It just makes sense! Gimme a holler!
Mark Barfknecht (760) 289-0330 mbarf1155@gmail.com
HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
$3 ea.
for and l I st tiona a n our hem! ant
NOVEMBER 2019
a. e 3 $ late p 8 $ ids $4 k
Tacoys
a d s r Thu 5 to 7 PM
5 to 8 PM
A one hour patriotic celebration of life, liberty & sacrifice! MON., NOV. 11 TH AT 11:00 AM Coachella Valley Cemetery 82925 Avenue 52, Coachella 92236 (At the corner of Jackson & 52nd) Join us for a potluck at American Legion Post 739 afterwards!
DISTRICT XXI
MEETING
Thanksgiving Lunch
Sun., Nov. 17 th Breakfast 8-10 AM - $10 Legion & Aux. Mtgs. - 10 AM
for Veterans Wed., Nov. 26 th @ 12 85350 Bagdad Ave., Coachella (760) 398-5287
American Legion Post 739
Donations needed! NEW socks, t-shirts & underwear In support of the VA Loma Linda Psych Ward
Drop box in the lounge!
FEED ME! * Coins *
Take a poppy soldier home!
Your Auxiliary at work!
HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
NOVEMBER 2019
Jesse Carrillo
David Cubero
Santos C
astillo
Joe Espejo
Tony & Pat Moren
o
Rosie & David Ta
pia
Mary & Joe G onzales
Alex & Margie Terrazas
Minerva & Mark Barfknecht Jim Raby
Henry Ruiz
He’s ba-a-a-a-ck!
HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
ched Don Esquibel William Stubblefield pit ck at the Sept. clo on a USMC themed le 29th Rummage Sa
NOVEMBER 2019
4th District Riverside County Supervisor V. greeted Tommy Madrid Manuel Perez and Steve Waggoner … members of the Post Color Guard (alon g who were on hand thi with Juan T. Martinez & John Ellis) … s past month to help kick off the County Employee Charitable Campaign at the CalS tate Riverside Palm Desert campus
Post Membership Director Roy Lagpacan (r) welcomed new members (l to r) Mike Kirkland, Matthew Lathrop & Mike Moningstar during last month’s meeting With new membership criteria in effect at National, ANY honorably discharged veteran who served from Dec. 7th, 1941 onward can now join the Legion. In addition, Auxiliary membership is now open to the spouses of female veterans
HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
NOVEMBER 2019
Legion Riders from across the state descended on the Post Oct. 19th for the annual Area 5 Patriot Ride… including (above left) Hemet Chapter 53’s Andrea “Ms. Shellback” Beach, Sally “Professor” Imul and Diana “Lady Fed” Fedder along with (far right) Chula Vista Chapter 434 President Kevin “Big K” Finn and State ALR President Ray Ruiz of Norco Chapter 328
acan Grill Master Roy Lagp had everything in hand
Now that’s a steak! …enjoyed by J.W. Vaughan
Ch ap te r 73 9 AL R Pr es id en t M an ny Alvarado, Treasurer Ch arles Holland and Area 5 ALR Vice Pres ident Gene Hobdy
Volunteers played a big role in the success of the event… among them… (far left) Mo Brooker, Naomi Alvarado and Maria Elena Lagpacan, (center) Juanita Godwin and (far right) Jorge Uribe, Roy Beltran & Dave Gruenberg
HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739
NOVEMBER 2019
Just a few of the many costumed attendees at the Oct. 26th Halloween Dance at the Post
Judy & Kim Bowlin
Derek “Count Dracula” Berry and (l to r) Doris Hein and Bob & Rachel Williams
Ed Granados
Solomon
Berry
Enrique Quintan ar & Volunteer Bartender Alison Resendez along with their “caped canine” Punkin John & Sharon Carmona
ANGLES IN REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVE CHEF 760.485.1035 sherryssoups@gmail.com
Sharon CA # 00698504
(760) 702-7241 sharon@sharonangle.Realtor
HERMAN GRANADOS POST 739 HALL RENTAL
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44-200 SUN GOLD, INDIO, CA 92201
Manny Alvarado (760) 610-9892
U.S. POSTAGE PAID PALM DESERT, CA PERMIT NO. 810
MEMBERSHIP Roy Lagpacan (760) 835-0116 HONOR GUARD Juan T. Martinez (760) 899-7137
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
CHAPLAIN Prayer Requests and Visitation Tommy Madrid (760) 404-3287
CERT IFIED SMOG
William A. Lewis
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